Missing Residential Student Policy

The University of North Florida (UNF) takes student
safety very seriously. The purpose of this policy is to establish
procedures for the University’s response to reports of missing
residential students, as required by the Higher Education Opportunity
Act of 2008.

I. Objective and Purpose

A University residential student may be considered a “missing
person” if the person’s absence is contrary to their usual pattern of behavior
or unusual circumstances may have caused the absence. Such circumstances could
include, but not be limited to, a report or suspicion that the missing person
may be the victim of foul play, has expressed suicidal thoughts, is drug
dependent, is in a life-threatening situation, or has been with persons who may
endanger the student’s welfare.

II. Procedures for Designation of Emergency Contact Information

Designated emergency contacts under this policy shall remain
confidential and are only available to University administrators on an as
needed basis.

a. Residential students age 18 and above and emancipated minors

Students falling in this category may designate emergency contacts
separate from those listed as their emergency contacts in their official
University records. For purposes of this policy, students should designate an
emergency contact through the myWings portal during each semester’s
registration for classes, or at any time thereafter, to be contacted by the
University no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined
to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below. Emergency
contacts designated under this policy will remain in effect until changed or
revoked by the student. In the event a student fails to designate an emergency
contact for this Missing Person policy, the student’s emergency contact listed
in their official University records will be considered the student’s
designated contact.

b. Resident students under the age of 18

In the event a student falling in this category is determined to
be missing pursuant to the procedures set forth below, the University is
required to notify a custodial parent or guardian no more than 24 hours after a
student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth
below.

III. Official Notification Procedures for Missing Persons

a. Any individual on campus including a student or an employee who
has information that a residential student may be a missing person must notify the University
Police Department at (904) 620-2800 as soon as possible to enable a search to
begin for the missing student.

b. The University Police will work in conjunction with the
Department of Housing and Residence Life to gather all essential information
about the residential student from the reporting person and from the student’s
acquaintances (description, clothes last worn, where student might be, who
student might be with, vehicle description, information about the physical and
mental well-being of the student, an up-to-date photograph, class schedule,
etc.) to initiate a search for the missing student. Appropriate University
staff will be notified to aid in the search for the student.

c. In the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the student
or it is apparent immediately that the student is a missing person (e.g.,
witnessed abduction), the University Police will contact the National Crime
Information Center (NCIC), the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) as well
as any other appropriate law enforcement agency to report the student as a
missing person and request assistance as needed.

d. No later than 24 hours after determining that a resident
student is missing, the office of the Vice President for Student and
International Affairs will notify the emergency contact (for students 18 and
over) or the parent/guardian (for students under the age of 18) that the
student is considered to be missing..

IV. University Communications About Missing Students

All communications regarding missing students will be handled by
law enforcement authorities, who may consult with the Office of Media
Relations. All inquiries to the University regarding missing students, or
information provided to any individual at the University about a missing
student, shall be referred to the University Police.

Prior to providing the University community with any information
about a missing student, the Office of Media Relations shall consult with the
University Police to ensure that communications do not hinder the
investigation.

[1]The University adopted a substantially similar
Missing Residential Student procedure within the Division of Student Affairs on
October 28, 2010 to be in compliance with the requirements of the Higher
Education Opportunity Act. This Missing Residential Student
procedure was utilized from the date of its implementation by the Department of
Housing and Residential Life and the University Police Department until the
adoption of this policy.

[2]An “emancipated minor” is a person under the age of eighteen who
has been declared by a court to be free of the control of their parent or
guardian.